Affordable, Non-Hybrid Fuel Sipping Cars For 2009

Best Non-Hybrids for Fuel Economy?

As a blog devoted to hybrid technology, you probably weren’t expecting this post; but what if you are looking for serious fuel economy without shelling out the sticker-price for a hybrid. It may be a better choice for some buyers to look into standard fuel vehicles that just get amazing mileage. Not to mention the fact that it’s almost impossible to find a brand new hybrid car right now, due to dealer shortages. Buying a high-mileage standard-fuel car can be a great way to watch costs at the pump and do a little something sweet for the planet.

Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is the top choice for non-hybrids in terms of mileage. It gets an impressive 29 MPG in the city and up to 35 on the highway.  The price tag is reasonable, too – it starts at just $11,500. This little hatchback was introduced as Toyota’s starter car in 2007 and it’s perfect for penny-pinchers who want to get the most bang for their buck. Get the full scoop on an ’08 Yaris here.

Honda Fit
Another hatchback that fits well in tight spaces and tight budgets is the Honda Fit. Starting at $13,950, this car offers a little more room than the Yaris but the fuel economy is slightly less – 27 MPG in the city and 34 on the highway. Another plus? This one’s got auxiliary plugs for your mp3 player! Learn about the 2008 Fit here, or see the all-new 2009 Fit here.

Hyundai Elantra
Boasting more passenger and cargo room while still getting 24 MPG in the city and a respectable 33 on the highway, is the Hyundai Elantra. With a price tag comparable to the Honda Fit, $13,870, you gain room, but also weight and so the fuel efficiency drops a bit. Overall, this is a great family car that doesn’t cost a ton at the pump. Here is a link to the 2008 Elantra site.

Pontiac Vibe
While the manual version of this car gets up to 32 miles per gallon, the automatic version of the Pontiac Vibe still does well at 25 in the city and 31 on the highway.  The most expensive car on our list at $16,855, the Vibe is another hatchback, but this time with a little more room and storage options – the front seat folds flat for extra-long cargo. Kelly Blue Book named the 2009 Vibe the “coolest new car under $18K”. Read all about it. (Vibe is very similar to 09 Toyota Matrix - here.)

There are several other affordable, non-hybrid cars to consider, so do your research.  If you are in the market for a fuel efficient car, but can’t afford to take the hybrid plunge just yet, also consider the Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, Mini Clubman, Mini Cooper, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent, or Scion XD.